The Mississippi Legislature opened the 2023 session at noon, on Tuesday, January 3rd. Though it is an election year, the 2023 legislative session is poised to be a busy one and a continuation of last year as fiscal conditions remain largely the same. Both Governor Tate Reeves and Speaker Philip Gunn have expressed their desire to once again push for the full elimination of the state income tax after passing the largest tax cut in state history last year. Lt. Governor Delbert Hosemann has proposed using the state’s surplus funds for a tax rebate for Mississippi tax payers of up to $500. Other items on the Lt. Governor’s list of priorities for this year include legislation that would incentivize school districts moving to modified calendars and a revamp of the Educational Facilities Revolving Loan Fund Program. 

Many bills have begun to be introduced in the House and the Senate. Legislators have until Wednesday, January 11th to request general bills to be drafted. The first being HB 62 which would create additional nontraditional routes for certain individuals to be able to receive licensure as a teacher. Another recent bill is HB 162 which would authorize excused absences for a school board member from school board meetings in the event of an illness or death of an immediate family member. Lastly, HB 202 would require the superintendent to notify assistant teachers of nonreemployment on or before June 30, or within 10 calendar days after the date on which the school board adopts the district’s annual budget for the scholastic year, whichever date is later.

To view the bills that have been assigned to the House Education Committee, click here.

To view the bills that have been assigned to the Senate Education Committee, click here.

• Wednesday, January 11, 2023 — Requests for general bills and constitutional amendments to be drafted.
• Monday, January 16, 2023 — Introduction of general bill and constitutional amendments.
• Tuesday, January 31, 2023 — Committees to report general bills and constitutional amendments originating in own house.
• Thursday, February 9, 2023 — Original floor action on general bills and constitutional amendments originating in own house.